Job Corps

In May of 1967, a report on the Job Corps was given to the League members. Since a comprehensive picture of the organization of the Job Corps and its aims was presented in that report, the following is only for the purpose of bringing up to date any changes
or progress that has been made in the Corps since that time. To find the answers the following questions were asked of Mr. Al Lolotai at the Koko Head Job Corps Center and the replies recorded.

Do most of the recruits still come into the Corps on the recommendation of the Job Opportunity Center?

Answer: The J.O.C. is still used for this purpose but the Corps is now authorized a recruiter from their own staff who actively seeks out these boys in the neighborhoods where they would be likely to be found.

Have any new work skills been introduced. into the program?

Answer: No new work skills have been introduced as yet but there is a much more sophisticated application of the skills being taught. The boys are applying their skills in a practical and satisfying way by working on projects. One of these is at Hanauma Bay where many working hours have been spent building a picnic and camping area. Such skills as masonry, heavy equipment operation and carpentry have been used to produce a practical result and to make a contribution to the State. These skills have also been applied at the satellite camps at Kokee and Kilauea — clearing forest areas, building cabins, etc.

Have there been any additional programs to improve relations and gain acceptance from the communities surrounding the Centers?

Answer: Yes, there are several things that have been done and some in the process of implementation. Last summer, relationships between the boys at Kokee and the-people of the nearby Waimea district were so strained that the residents were preparing a petition to have the Camp removed. The boys had crashed parties, were blamed for petty thefts, etc. The director of the Camp called on residents and listened to their complaints. He explained the background of these boys and that they needed help. As a result, a committee of residents and Corpsmen was formed and their problems were worked out. The boys were accepted in the community. They repaid by doing things for the community, such as installing playground equipment for a Head Start class and painting the roof of a church. This past Thanksgiving
every boy in the camp was invited to homes in the community for dinner. Recently, the boys from Koko Head Center were asked to do some
painting at Holy Nativity Church.

Another relationship with the community is an effort to find
jobs for the Corpsmen after they have completed their required courses. The unions have an apprentice program and the Corps instructors are trying to qualify the boys for this program, mainly in the construction field, but also in the tourist industry. They are also trying to work closely with industry and management to provide jobs.

Still another program has been introduced to educate the community as to what the Job Corps is doing--various community organizations are invited to visit the Camps and are briefed on That is going on there. It is hoped that they will spread the word and this might also help to establish good relations.

How many are in the Hawaiian Job Corps now?

Answer: The capacity of the three centers is 250. The present enrollment is 215 -- Koko Head-115; Kokee - 60; Kilauea - 40. An
Alumni Association (made up of boys who have ”graduated"' from the Corps) is in the process of being formed and it is hoped that these boys will spread the word about the Corps and therefore help to recruit more boys who are now not reached.

Are there many dropouts and what has happened to them?

Answer: There are less dropouts than before and the number is less than the national average. At this time there is no way to find out what has happened to those who do drop nut. When the Alumni Association is functioning it may be able to get some statistics on this.

How many Corpsmen have found jobs after leaving the Centers? Have they been able to keep their jabs?

Answer: 427 boys have terminated their stay in the Corps- 212 of these passed the requirements to graduate from the Corps: 179 have
been placed in jobs; 22 joined the Armed Forces; 17 returned to school at either the Community Colleges or the University. Those who went
on to college had been high school dropouts but were able because of the study program at the Centers to pass the General Education Development tests to get their high school diplomas. Also, another
O.E.O. program at the University, called Upward Bound, gives orientation to college life (both academic and social) during the summer. They also test to see if they are ready for college and in some cases the boys have a chance to get scholarships. 29 of the boys transferred to Mainland Centers to continue training in specific areas. It is interesting to note that one Corpsman who continued his training on the Mainland in culinary arts is now back here working as a cook at the Koko Head Center.

Again, there is no way as yet to find out how many have kept their jobs, but the Alumni Association being formed may be able to get some statistics in that area.

Do the boys seem to gain better social relationships by being away from their former environment and having to live and share with others?

Answer: Yes, they get along much better with each other. There are not as many fights and friction as at first. Programs have been introduced in personal cleanliness and in behavior in social situations (such as asking a girl to dance) and in self control. Volunteer housewives have been brought in to teach this and also have helped in teaching sex education. The latter is discussed in group panels and nurses are included in the group.

Have there been cutbacks affecting the Program?

Answer: There have been none yet. However, it is possible that there may be cutbacks in the funds for 1969 and this would,
of course, make it difficult to carry on the programs now in effect. There will be no effects on the program for 1968 as the money has already been assigned.